Kaleido Star 51
The final TV episode.
One can probably guess the ending of the episode, so I won’t say much here other than it’ll be a little sad now that Kaleido Star is over. I really wished the series could have ended with a bigger bang but with all the good time feelings there was literally no room for any last minute surprises or revelations. How unfortunate too, since I thought the ending needed something to cut down on the cheese. 
Easiest way to describe the last episode of Kaleido Star is that literally everyone gets their wish granted. And I mean everyone. From Anna’s comedy team success, Leon coming to terms with his sister’s wish, May and Rosetta’s “amazing” act, Sora’s success in the Angel’s Act and conflict free stage, and even Layla’s maid all get their chance to be happy. I honestly should have expected the over hammed and cheesy ending but I was hoping it would have been done better. Unfortunately it wasn’t.
I think my biggest problem stemed from the end of the episode when literally every performers ever on the anime go on stage after being moved by Sora’s Angel’s Act. I don’t know how an entertainment business like Kaleido Stage is runned in real life, but I would think non-contracted performers (basically strangers) would not be allowed to perform on the stage while the performance is still going on! I perfectly understand the staff’s decision to put the scene to show how powerful and moving “that” moment of time was, with everyone’s hearts becoming one thanks to Sora. However wouldn’t just a little bit of reality be nice? Who knows what could have happened if someone accidentally got hurt during the free-for-all performance? That’s just a law suit waiting to happen! Setting aside the hope of a more realistic show, I also thought the scene itself cheapened what was the grand and final act of the series. I would have liked if more of Sora’s and Leon’s performance was shown instead of basically re-used footage of everyone’s performance. It made all the training for the Angel’s Act kind of pointless as the viewer doesn’t even get to see all of it!
Another small problem I had was what exactly was May’s and Rosetta’s “Eternal Illusion”? For some reason I thought it’ll be more flashy instead of the move it actually was. Though I’ll admit in real life, the simple act would be pretty hard to do, what with the perfect timing and all. Once again, my expectations were too high so seeing the actual act was truly disappointing. At least May looked great in her Odile’s costume 
Yet another problem, and my last major one, was how quick the stage moved to its newest hope: Rosetta. I mean come on! Isn’t Sora good enough to go solo for awhile before a new challenger/partner comes about? How many legendary and mystical acts are there exactly if Rosetta is already the next choosen one!? Furthermore, when will it be May’s turn?!
For all the various faults I had with the last episode of Kaleido Star, it was still nonetheless a fun episode to watch. Cheese upon cheese aside, the ending was pretty fitting given the happy go-lucky nature of the show. The viewer got to watch Sora transform from simple rookie to all out star while also falling in love with the cast of unique characters that made up Kaleido Stage. We cheered when Sora got her first major role. We were on the edge of our seats when Sora and Layla trained in the Mystical Act. Awed when the two women performed the Act to perfection. Sad when Layla quit Kaleido Stage and passed the torch to Sora. Loved and hated the over-the-top May. Came to understand Leon’s tragic past. Wondered if Sora was ever going to complete the Angel’s Act. And cheered once again while watching the final act of the show. A rollercoaster of emotions and events that came full circle as just like the beginng, the ending promising there will always be trials but as long as one gives it their own, there is little doubt one won’t succeed to the fullest.
If I had to rate Kaleido Star, I would undoubtably give it a B+. If I was just basing my opinion on the first season I would have given it an A as the second season, while enjoyable in its own way, was far weaker to the first. Thus the slightly lower grade. Still, Kaleido Star is a marvelous anime that all anime fans should watch. What makes it even better is the fact it’s very youth friendly, so would be an great gift for a older elementary schooler or alternatively make good show to watch with the family. There is no doubt that there will be something for everyone to love about Kaleido Star, from the youngsters to the oldies. So if you haven’t watched the series yet, which I doubt if you’re reading this entry, go do so now! If you have, go spread the word to family and friends! I’m positive they’ll enjoy the series as much as you and I did!
Comment by jessie
January 2, 2006 @ 10:14 pm
I have watched the ending, but some parts I was not understand.
What was all about the elf??? Why he was there? And what is the relationship between him and the princess ( which was in the episode 52)? Besides, THERE IS EPISODE 52!!! Haven’t you watched it? I am getting confusing…